After investigating claims that members of the Safford Volunteer Fire Department responded to July 4 fire calls while intoxicated and used obscene language over the radio, the City of Safford handed down disciplinary measures and announced that changes will be made in the department. The claims stemmed from an anonymous letter presented to the City Council alleging that firefighters used profanities in response to two fire calls on the evening of the 4th. The letter also claimed alcohol was present at the fire station and some firefighters responding to at least one of the calls appeared to be intoxicated. A preliminary investigation by City Manager Horatio Skeete found that alcohol was present at the station on July 4 and radio recordings revealed the use of profanities. A full investigation was then conducted by Skeete, Police Chief Joe Brugman and Human Resources Officer Lydia Newkirk.